Aleksandra Smiljanic
Smiljanic told a press conference held on occasion of 100 days of work by the government that the orientation of this ministry is towards introduction of competition, but at the same time it must be ensured that a universal service is offered, so that all citizens have telecommunication services at an affordable price.
She said that she is aware of the demands by companies for introducing internet telephony, which will be possible when the Serbian Telecommunications Agency finishes the rulebook for that area, which is currently being drafted.
Serbian Assistant Minister for telecommunications Slobodan Laketa said that new licenses for fixed telephony will not be issued until the end of the year, but new fixed telephony operators could be expected in 2008.
According to Laketa, the company SBB, as a cable TV and internet operator, already has a network through which it could offer telephony services within a short period of time, but it is necessary that a fund for universal services is formed before distribution of licenses.
Laketa said that plans for distribution of frequencies for developing the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) technology or wireless fixed telephony services are also under consideration.